| US 7,450,883 B2 | ||
| Film loader for an image forming apparatus | ||
| Akira Asaoka, Ibaraki (Japan); Shuho Yokokawa, Ibaraki (Japan); Isao Nakajima, Ibaraki (Japan); and Akihiko Yamazaki, Ibaraki (Japan) | ||
| Assigned to Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd., Tokyo (Japan) | ||
| Filed on Dec. 27, 2007, as Appl. No. 12/5,306. | ||
| Application 12/005306 is a continuation of application No. 10/448293, filed on May 30, 2003, granted, now 7,336,917. | ||
| Claims priority of application No. P2002-174037 (JP), filed on Jun. 14, 2002. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2008/0118269 A1, May 22, 2008 | ||
| Int. Cl. G03G 15/00 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 399—116 | 21 Claims |
| 1. A film loading method of an image forming apparatus, the method comprising:
loading an endless film which was stored in a container box, using at least two support members, to a film frame of said image
forming apparatus,
wherein said film is supported by said support members in a different form with respect to a condition of said film when loaded
and fitted to said film frame,
wherein said support members are initially stored in said container box and serve as a packaging member for use in transporting
and storing said film,
wherein said support members are attached to respective portions of said film frame and guide said film to be loaded and fitted
onto said film frame,
wherein said film frame comprises holding rollers, and
wherein said support members are attached to said respective portions of said film frame, coaxially with said holding rollers.
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